Ministry of Commerce & Industry
APEDA organized Farmer-Scientists Interface on GI - Tagged Rice Varieties
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority , Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India in association with Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur organised a farmer-scientists interface on GI-Tagged rice varieties to emphasize the export-oriented production of GI tagged rice varieties in Kerala on 12th October 2021. The programmed was organized in a hybrid mode with physical participation of 20 farmers as per covid protocol & virtual participation of many farmers in Kerala.
A geographical indication  tag serves as a marker which is used on the certain products with specific geographical origin & posses qualities that are due to that origin.GI tags enhance the demand of the product in both national & international market. It helps the consumers to recognise the products with desired quality & assured authenticity.
Kerala, an agriculturally rich state has many numbers of GI tagged agricultural products in its kitty. Coming to staple food of Kerala, Rice – there are 14 GI tagged rice varieties in all over India. Among them 6 are from Keralanaming Palakkadan matta, Navara rice, Kaipad rice, Pokkali rice, Wayanadan Jeerakasala & Gandhakasala rice. Navara, the endemic rice known for its nutritional, religious & medicinal value is the first among rice of Kerala to receive GI tag in 2007. Palakkadan Matta, indigenous rice variety grown in Palakkad region of Kerala is known for its coarseness& health benefits. Kaipad rice is the traditional organic rice produced in the saline prone  coastal rice tracts in the northern districts of Kerala. The Pokkali variety of rice is known for its saltwater resistance and flourishes in the rice paddies of coastal Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Thrissur districts of Kerala. Wayanadan Jeerakasala & Gandhakasala are the scented rice varieties from Wayanad which are having potential to keep in par with basmati rice.
The programme initiated with the welcome address of Dr. Helen, Professor & Head Central Training Institute, Mannuthy. Dr. Jayasree Krishnankutty, Director of Extension, Kerala Agricultural University briefed on the Legal and legislative support for traditional rice varieties. The procedures for GI tagging of rice varieties were made familiar to farmers by Dr. Deepthy Antony, Assistant Professor & Co-ordinator, IPR Cell, Kerala Agricultural University. Mrs. Simi Unnikrishnan, Assistant General Manager, APEDA Regional In charge, Kochi briefed about APEDA’s roles, functions and initiatives, export potential of GI tagged rice varieties from Kerala& issues pertaining to the export of rice varieties. Special features, Good agricultural practices  & Pesticide residue limits of GI tagged rice varieties were topic of discussion by other scientists on the programme.
On the way to advantage a strong role inside the market, marketing had to cognizance on these rice as a niche product, adding value through certification as an organic and fair-trade product or both. Also, farmers can use the GI certification to leverage the unique identity of their product, to assure quality and distinctiveness their produce have and can effectively prevent the adulteration in the market using existing GI legislations.
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